Wigan chief Martinez first heard of Cazorla’s talent almost 10 years ago when the Gunners star was coming through the ranks at Villarreal.

Based on their stubborn transfer policy, the side from Valencia became one of the best teams in Spain, losing narrowly to Arsenal in the 2006 Champions League semi-finals.

And Cazorla only broke out when he made a £17m switch to Malaga in 2011.

Just a year later he was snapped up by Arsene Wenger for a similar fee and despite tasting the Premier League for the first time at 28, he has been a sensation.

Cazorla has already scored seven goals, including a treble in the 5-2 win at Reading on Monday. Martinez was in the stands at the Madejski Stadium and knows Cazorla will be one to have his threadbare defence sweating today.

The Premier League’s most successful Spaniards, Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and Juan Mata all came to England at an early age.

However, Latics chief Martinez thinks Cazorla is an even better player for heading over later in life.

The Spanish coach said: “Villarreal were a very difficult club to sell. They made it nearly ­impossible and Cazorla was at the purple patch of Villarreal’s history in the Champions League.

“Sometimes having that experience helps because you’re looking at the way he has adapted to the league for a player of his profile. It’s because he’s got the experience and could cope with the demands of any league. That sort of player – David Silva, Juan Mata, Santi Cazorla, Jordi Gomez – they are a specific breed that is having a lot of joy in the Premier League.

“They have special awareness, ability and, from a tactical point of view, they are changing the league.

“You’ve got two moments to come to England, when you’re quite young before you go to the big clubs in Spain, or you come at the later stages like (Fernando) Morientes or (Fernando) Hierro when you’ve been at the top clubs.

“Santi Cazorla is a unique situation because he wasn’t allowed to leave Villarreal, so he missed out on going into the top two in Spain.

“In many ways he came to the Premier League at the right time because he was mature enough to cope with what was needed. Since day one he has performed at a very good level.”